Thinking about adding to the fleet. The GF has taken a liking to the Manitou 13, and would like something other than the Epic V10S or a Discovery 169 to join her paddling on local rivers and lakes, but also want something for me to use in rougher water ocean races and general ocean paddling. Figure 10% of the time racing, 60% of the time on rivers and lakes, 30% genernal ocean paddling.

Looking to buy used with a cost around the $600-$800 range.

What I would like (in order):--around 16 feet long so it can fit lengthwise in garage easily--some variation of plastic so I don't have to worry about bashing rocks/stumps/beaver damn hopping--handle paddler/gear load of 225-275 pounds--speed (relative to the class of boat and material it is made of), since I will probably do a few ocean races with it

What I don't need:--stability--storage space--latest and greatest design of day hatch/knee hatch/bungee/deck line design

Neutral on because I don't know enough about:--rudder/skeg--maneuverability--seat/rudder control options

Wilderness has a bunch of Tsunami's of varying lengths, you can often find them on craigslist. P+H Capella can be had in plastic in 16'6". P+H also makes the Venture/Easky/orca in 15' or 17', I believe that Norm has one. I'm not sure how competitive a plastic 14 - 16 ft boat will be in races.

If I was looking for a plastic 16 ft boat I would be looking at the Wilderness Zephyr(John Smoke mentioned a demo/rental in your price range at the Hingham EMS) or the P+H Delphin. Being brand new or very recent designs it will be harder to find a used one.

Also - Necky made a Looksha 14 for years. You could get this with skeg/rudder/nothing and with or without bow hatch/bulkhead. Obviously one with hatches front & rear is better if you plan to paddle by yourself or any distance offshore.

The Zephyr is sold. There is a Dagger Alchemy L left that would be a great boat, a Hurricane Category 5 that would be a fast boat, two Tsunami 14s that are barges, a Manitou 14, two Chatham 16s, a Tempest 16.5, and a Chatham 17. I can probably arrange a demo or something if you want.

Well, you can't beat free, and a good friend of mine is letting me use is Prijon Yukon Expedition. Should give me a little bit more speed than the Necky, and with a forward hatch, let me enjoy AMC and other ocean paddles without having to modify the Necky for more bow flotation.